IRA Volunteer Charles English's 30th anniversary marked in Derry

A LARGE CROWD has attended a commemoration to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of IRA Volunteer Charles English, who died on 6 August 1985.

Charles English came from the Cable Street area of the Bogside and was only 21 years old when he met his death during an engagement with an RUC patrol at Abbey Street.

The commemoration event was chaired by Melissa Kavanagh and the story of Volunteer Charles English's life and role in the struggle was read.

Flowers were laid on behalf of the Bogside & Brandywell Monument Committee, Derry 1916-2016 Centenary Committee, and friends and comrades of Charles. 

Cousins Conal and Seán McCool performed his favourite number, Bob Marley's Redemption Song.

Tiarnán Heaney gave the graveside oration made by Pádraig Pearse at funeral of O'Donovan Rossa 100 years ago in Glasnevin Cemetery.

Charlie McMenamin made a presentation to Charles's father, Mickey.

The event ended with Mickey English addressing the crowd and thanking everyone who attended for their support and the work carried out on an annual basis by the local monument committees.

◼︎ Stephanie English also thanked everyone for the supporting the #charlesenglish30 initiative which has seen hundreds of people posting photos online doing a tasks in her brother's memory. 

People from as far apart as Australia, America, Europe, Scotland, England and right across Ireland got involved, posting photos and personal messages on social media in an imaginative way honouring the memory of Óglach Charles English.

See more photos here